Electrical connection means



May 14, 1940. c. s. PENFOLD y 4 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION MEANS Filed June 21, 1937 .MMQW

Patented May 14, I'

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION MEANS Charles S.'Pen1'old, Bronson, Mich., assignor to Kingston Products Corporation, Kokomo, Ind., a corporation of Indiana Application June 21, 1937, Serial No. 149,515

7 Claims.

, This invention relates generally to electrical connection means',l and more speclcally has to do with means whereby to resiliently retain terminals of the snap type.

li One object of the invention is to design and construct ra unitary article that is adapted to be mounted on a. support whereby a terminal may be plugged into the unit from either side of the support.

, l More specically it is contemplated to provide a unit, which includes a plate of insulating material; a shell, carrying terminal receiving means on each side of the plate; insert means extendu ing through the plate and arranged within and cooperating with said receiving means in a manner to retain terminals placed therein; means forresiliently supporting said insert means and said terminal receiving means with respect to said plate. gr Another object of the invention is to provide a unit of the character just referred to, in which one of the shells is provided with means whereby to connect together the parts constituting the unit to the insulating plate, and also means on said g3 shell whereby to connect the unit with respect to a support.

A further object of the invention is to construct an electrical connection means which may be economically manufactured commercially, and

one which is durable and eilicient electrically and mechanically.

Many other objects of the invention herein shown and described will be apparent after considering the drawing annexed hereto.

": Referring to the drawing, there is shown three embodiments of the invention. A

Figure 1 is an enlarged upstanding view of the invention, showing parts thereof in section;l

Figure 2 is a side view in elevation of Figure 1,

partly in section, vshowing the manner whereby the parts are assembled .to a support, and a terminal of a character that ,is preferably adapted to be inserted in the receiving means;

, Figure 3 is a section, on a reduced scale, taken substantially on line 3 3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an upstanding view, partly in section, of `a modified form of the invention;

Figure 5 is a side view in elevation of the unit shown in Figure 4; 501 Figure 6 is an upstanding view in elevation of another modied form of the invention; and

Figure l is a sideview of the arrangement showninFigure 6. A j Referring to the preferred embodiment ofI the invention disclosed in Figures l through 3, i inand dicates a plate of insulating material preferably provided with an elongated rectangular slot 2, and an arcuate slot 3 on each side of the slot 2. Numeral 4 indicates a cylindrical metal shell provided with an annular flange 5 at one ex- 5 tremity thereof, that engages the lower surface of the plate I; and 6 is also a cylindrical shell which substantially corresponds in shape and.

Y size to the shell 4, and one extremity thereof is provided with an annular flange 'l abutting the l0 upper surface of the plate I., and with a pair of fingers 8, diametrically arranged, which project lthrough the arcuate slots 3 in the plate, and are clinched inwardly over and upon the annular flange 5 of the shell 4 to thereby hold the parts 15 assembled to the plate I. The other extremity of each of the shells 4 and 6 is provided with a rectangular aperture 9 through which extends terminal receiving means generally designated I0.

Each of the terminal receiving means I0 is $0 made of strip stock,'formed to provide a tubular body consisting of a pair of parallel channels II, joined together by a connecting loop I2. Each of the channels Il consists of three portions, including the portions I3, and the upper extrem- 25 ity of these portions I3 is preferably of arcuate design as indicated at I4 in order to conform to the curvature of the connecting loop I2, to provide a cylindrical terminalreceiving aperture I5, arranged transversely adjacent the outer extrem- 3l? ity of each of the receiving means l0. The inner extremity of each of the channels II is provided with an4 outwardly extending ange i6.

As clearly shown, insert means generally designated I1, forms part of the combination, and this 35 insert is provided with upper and lower extremities I8 which extend within the terminal receiving means I0, and intermediate said extremities and joining same is an enlargement i9 which projects through the rectangular aperture 2 in plate 40 I, and serves as an abutment for the iianges I6 adjacent the inner extremities of the means Ill.

' Each of the extremities I8 is provided with bosses 20 and 2I, which are struck outwardly from the opposite sides of the insert, and these 45 engage the portions I3 of the receiving means Ill in order to center the extremities within said means; and the end of each extremity is also' provided with a concave seat 22,' adapted to cooperate with the cove 23 in the terminal 24. 50

A coiled s'prng 25 encircles each of the terminal receiving means I 0, and one end of each spring engages the outer extremity of eachshell, and the other end engages the flanges I6 on the receiving means I0, and'through the action of 55 these springs said anges are forced into abutting relation with thel enlargement I6 provided on the insert I1. By this arrangement, the -springs 25 maintain the terminal receiving apertures I5 in a predetermined relation with respect tothe outer ends of theextremities I6 of theinsert;

' and when a terminal, such as 24, is inserted into one of the terminal receiving apertures I6, the

. terminal receiving means I8 will be moved outto a support.

wardly against the action of the spring-28, and when the terminal is properly seated, the spring will force the cove 23 in the terminal against the seat 22 in the insert, the lands 26 on the terminal engaging the connecting loop I2. It is to be here noted that the enlargement I6 on the insert is of such a character that it maintains the terminal receiving-means I8 in spaced apart relation, and that the length-of each 0f the extremities I8 is such that seats 22 'are arranged in a predetermined relation with respect to the terminal receiving apertures l5.

It is thus evident that a terminal may be inserted into one or both of the terminal receiving apertures I5; that the insert means I1 is cornmon to both apertures; and that the springs not only maintain the parts in a predetermined relation, but function to resiliently support both of the terminal receiving means as well as the insert I 1, and this is important since any accidental pull yIII and the insert, before releasing the terminal, if at all.

Referring to the modification of the invention disclosed in Figures 4 and 5, there is shown substantially the same arrangement as above shown and described, except that the parts are mounted on a plate of insulating material to constitute a unit which in turn may be permanently mounted In this modification, the shells, terminal receiving means, insert, and springs Vare first assembled to a relatively small flat disc of insulating material. 'I'he lower and upper cylindrical shells, 38 and 3|, as here shown, are preferably secured to a relatively small disc 32 of insulating ma'- terial by providing continuations or lingers 33 on the shell ,3|, which are clinched inwardly and over and upon the annular ange provided adjacent th e inner extremity of the shell 38, as clearly indicated in Figure 5. The shell 3I is alsolprovided with a pair of elongated continuations or fingers 34, diametrically arranged between the n'gers 33, which project through aperatures 35 in the disc 32. Said fingers 34 provide means whereby the unit assembled to disc 32 may in turn be permanently-secured to a metal support 36. The support 36 is preferablyprovidedwith a relatively large aperture 31, and as clearly shown, the disc 32 is arranged over said aperture in abutment with the upper'surface of said supe port, and a disc 38 is arranged to engage the` lower surface of the support 36, and in order to prevent any possible shifting of the unit, the washer 38 is provided with a reduced annular 'portion 33 which snugly ts within the aper ture 31.

The insulating washer 36, as here shown, is

preferably provided with 'a relatively large cylindrical aperture 48 through which the shellv 38 extends, and also a pair of apertures 4I through respect to the support 36. Thus, it is evident that an improved electrical connection means is v provided, which includes {ia pair of spaced apart means for resiliently retaining terminals, assembled to a plate of insulating material to constitute a unit, and that the unit may in turn be easily and quickly anchored to a metal support in such a manner that a terminal may be plugged into the unit from either or both sides of said support without permitting the current to' pass through the support. f.

Referring to Figures 6 and '1 of the drawing. there is shown a further modiiication lofthein-y vention, and as herein shown, it will be evident that there are three important factors, which 'make this modification distinguishable from those above shown and described. More specifically. it is evident that the insert means' is ofa diil'erent character, that one ofthe cylindrical shells is omitted, and that only one coiled spring is' employed whereby to obtain the desired function and result.

In this modification, 68 and 6I indicate a disc and a washer of insulating material, which are. clamped over the aperture62 in the support 63 K by means ofthe o'set ngers 64 provided on the shell 65. As clearly shown, the-fingers 64 project through slots 66r and 61` in the disc 68 and washer 6I, respectively, and through the aperture 62 in the plate 63; and in order to prevent lateral movement of the assembly with respect/to the support 63,'the washer 6I is provided with a reduced annular yportion 68, which is adapted to snugly fit within the aperture 62 in said support. v. The upper terminal receiving means 63, and the lower terminal receiving means 18 are of the same character as those above shown. and described. The lower terminal receiving means 18 projects through a rectangular aperture 1I provided in the washer 6I,/\and the anges 12 on the terminal receiving means 18 cooperate with a recess 13 provided adjacent the upper extremity of the washer 6I. Thus., one shell has been omitted, and, outward movement of said receiving means 18 is prevented.

As mentioned above, the insert means int modication of the invention, is of a different character, and as shown, is comprised of two sheet metal members'14. Each of the insert members 14 .is folded back upon itself to provide substantially two parallel spaced apart portions, one extremity being formed with a rounded detent portion 15, and the opposite extremity with v outwardly extending flanges 16. Each of theinsert members 14 is of such a character, that it is centered within leach of the terminal yreceiving means, and the length of each is suchthat the detent portion 15 is arranged in a predetermined relation with respect to the terminal receiving apertures in the receiving means. It is also tol be noted that the flanges 16 provided adjacent the inner extremity of each of the insert mem'- bers engage each other, and provide abutments that are engaged by the flanges 12 on said receiving means. In lieu of providing two springs, a single coiled spring 16 surrolmds the receiving means 69, and is so arranged that the inner end of the spring abuts the anges 12 on the receiv-v when a termina is inserted m the terminal.

receiving aperture of the upper receiving means 63, the insert members 14 remain stationary, and Il the receiving means moves outwardly against the action of the spring 18, and when the terminal is properly located, the cove therein is resiliently held against the detent portion 15 of the upper insert member 14. If a terminal is also inserted in the terminal receiving means-10, the'means 10 will remain stationary, and both insert, members 14v and the upper terminal receiving means 69 will be lifted upwardly against theaction of the spring 18, and when the terminal is properly placed, the lower insert member 14, through the agency of the spring, will urgetheJ detent portion 15 thereof into cooperation with the cove in vthe terminal, and force the lands on the terminal against the connecting loop 18. It will\`also be evident that a terminal placed in the terminal receiving means 69 will not be released when a terminal is inserted in the terminal receiving means 10, and in fact, two terminals will be held more firmly, than one by reason of the increased other; a terminal receiving aperture provided in the outer .extremity of each body; a pair of vdetent means arranged in abutting relation with respect to each other and to the inner extremities of said bodies, and spacing the latter; and resilient means surrounding one of said bodies acting upon said bodies and said detent means whereby to resiliently support and maintain' same in said abutting relation, and functioning to retain terminals placed in said terminal receiving apertures.

2. Electrical connection means including in combination', aplate of insulating material provided/with an aperture, a shell secured to one side of said plate over said aperture, an aperture provided in said shell and a body projecting therethrough, a washer of insulating material secured to the opposite side of said plate and provided with an aperture, another body of the same character as the frst'projecting through the aperture in said washer, a terminal receiving aperture provided in each body, a considerable distance apart from each other, a pair of detent means arranged in abutting relation with each other and with the inner extremities of said bodies and operatively related to said terminal receiving apertures, and a spring arranged in said shell acting to maintain the parts in a predetermined relation with respect to each other whereby terminals maybe snapped into said terminal receiving apertures.

3. Electrical connection means including in combination, a support, a pair of tubular means carried by said support, each tubular means having at one extremity an aperture for receiving a terminal and transverse portions adjacent the other extremity, inexible means slidably arranged substantially within the confines of said tubular means, a detent provided adjacent each extremity of said inflexible means and abutment means provided on said inflexible means intermediate said detents, said abutment means being arranged between the transverse portions of said tubular means for normally maintaining said tubular means in spaced apart relation, and resilient means resiliently supporting said tubular means and said inflexible means upon said support and acting to hold said transverse 'portions in engagement with said abutment means to position said detents in said terminal receiving apertures whereby insertion of a terminal into either -of said apertures will cause relative movement between at least one of said tubular means and said inflexible means.

4. Electrical connection means including in combination; a pair of bodies having their inner extremities arranged in close proximity to each other; a terminal receiving aperture provided in the outer extremity of each body; a pair of detent means arranged in abutting relation with respect to each other and to the inner extremities of said bodies, and spacing the latter; and resilient means acting upon said bodies and said detent means whereby to resiliently support and maintain same in said abutting relation, and functioning to retain terminals placed in said terminal receiving apertures.

5. Electrical connection ,means including in combination, a support, a pair of receptacle means carried by said support, each receptacle means having at one extremity an aperture for receiving a terminal and abutments adjacent the other' extremity, inflexible means slidably arranged substantially within the confines of said receptacle means, a detent provided adjacent each extremity of said inflexible means and stop means provided on said inflexible means interme- -diate said detents, said stop means being arranged between the abutments of said receptacle means for normally maintaining said receptable means in spacedlapart relation, and resilient means resiliently supporting at least one of said receptacle means and said inflexible means upon said support and acting to hold said abut- .ments in engagement with said stop means to position said detents in said terminal receiving apertures whereby insertion of a terminal into either of said apertures will cause relative movement between at least one of said receptacle means and said inflexible means.

6. Electrical connection means including in combination, a support, a shell carried by said support, a pair'of receptacle means carried by said support, with one of said receptacle means extending through said shell, each receptacle means -having at one extremity an aperture for receiving a terminal and abutments adjacent the other extremity, inflexible means slidably arranged vsubstantially within the confines of said receptacle means, a detent provided adjacent each extremity of said inflexible means and stop means provided on said inflexible means intermediate said detents, said s top means being arranged between the abutments of said receptacle means for normally maintaining said receptacle means in spaced apart relation, and resilient means within said shell resiliently support- .ing r at least one of said receptacle means and 7. Electrical connection means including in combination; a pair of receptacles having their inner extremities arranged in close proximity to each other; a terminal receiving, aperture provided in each receptacle; a pair of detent means arranged in abutting relation with respect to each other and tothe inner extremities of said receptacles, and spacing the latter; and resilient means surrounding at least one of said receptacles and acting upon said receptacles and said detent means whereby to resiliently support and maintain same in said abutting relation, and functioning to retain terminals placed in said terminal receiving apertures.

CHARLES S. PENFOLD. 

